Cytotechnologist Careers Information
Cytotechnologists prepare and examine body cells under a microscope. As cytology is the study of cells, cytotechnologists are trained to recognize subtle chances in cells in order to detect abnormalities that help diagnose disease and other conditions such as viral and bacterial infections.
By collecting samples that have been shed, scraped, or extracted, cytotechnologists study and identify precancerous or malignant cells, changes, or infectious conditions. Cytotechnologists prepare slides, interpret samples, and relay results to their superiors.
Cytotechnologists work under the supervision of pathologists, and therefore develop close working relationships with them. They work in more traditional settings of healthcare from hospitals and clinics, to commercial laboratories, public health organizations, and universities.
Cytotechnologist Careers Path
In order to become a Cytotechnologist, one needs to obtain a bachelor’s degree from a program accredited by either the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) or the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).
Through these programs, gain the basic knowledge of cytochemistry and cytophysiology. While learning the processing and preparatory techniques, students study subjects like biology, chemistry, anatomy, physiology, histology, immunology, embryology, and endocrinology.
Since students usually don’t gain entrance into cytotechnology programs until their junior or senior year, it is important to complete undergraduate requirements in the first two years.
Though course requirements vary from school to school, the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) recommends students complete 28 credits in the sciences, including chemistry and biology, in addition to three credits in math, statistics, or equivalent courses.
Upon completion of an accredited cytotechnology program, graduates are eligible to sit for national certification exams necessary to become a Certified Cytotechnologist (CT).
The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) board of registry offers these exams, and though requirements for certification vary between states, most employers do require their employees be certified.
As of 2004, all certified cytotechnologists are required to participate in the ASCP Certification Maintenance Programs. Over a three-year period following certification, CT’s must document their continuing education with a total amount of 36 points. One point must be in safety, two points must be related to the specialty of cytotechnology, and the remaining 33 points can be in the area of cytotechnology, management, education, or other related areas of interest.
Cytotechnologist Careers: Compatible Personality Traits
Independent, meticulous, responsible. Good analytical judgment, attention to detail, manual dexterity, good vision, and the ability to problem solve and work under pressure.
Cytotechnologist Interview
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Cytotechnologist Careers: Salary Expectations
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 166,860 medical and clinical laboratory technologists were employed in 2009.
The average annual income was $55,140, and the middle 50% earned between $45,810 and $65,050. The highest 10% earned more than $75,960 and the lowest 10% earned less than $37,540. Most laboratory technologists were employed by medical and surgical hospitals.
The American Medical Association recorded that the average salaries of Cytotechnologists range from $68,500 to $70,500.
Cytotechnologist Careers: Job Outlook
Employment of medical and clinical laboratory workers is expected to increase by 14 percent over the 2008-2018 decade, which is faster than average for all occupations. This growth is due to an increasing population, and development of new types of diagnostic testing.
Though technological advances may provide opportunities for additional testing, a great deal of research is being done in order to simplify machinery and testing routines, which could provide more opportunities for non-laboratory personnel.
The U.S. News and World Report included laboratory technicians in its list of the 50 best careers of 2010. They estimated that job growth for clinical laboratory workers is expected to rise 16%.
While hospitals will still continue to be the largest employer of clinical and medical laboratory workers, there will be new opportunities in private diagnostic labs, physicians’ offices, and other ambulatory healthcare facilities.
Slightly Off the Footpath
Sources: cytopathology.org; ascp.org/mainmenu/laboratoryprofessionals/; usnews.com
